A Litter of Downward Facing Dogs: Ways to Practice

Why Do Dog?

I love downward-facing dog. It turns my world around, immediately changing perspective about the challenging issues in life, calming the thinking brain, and over time in my asana (pose) practice, it feels quite comforting. You may love this pose in its classic form, or perhaps that form is not for you. That’s OK! Allow me introduce you to, or remind you of, the various ways adho mukha svanasana, downward dog ; (“adho(downward) mukha (face) svanasana (svana=dog)” can take shape in your physical body, receiving its benefits.

Some general benefits* of Downward Dog

Downdog at the rope wall. Sublime for my back! Also note the student behind me (I’m in green) resting her forehead on the block for a calming effect.

-Strengthens the arms. In doing so can help prepare you for arm balances such as handstand.

-Engages all three bandhas (locks or seals), stimulating the energetic body or kundalini (Yoga: the Practice of Myth and Sacred Geometry, Rama Jyoti Vernon, 2014)

*With special thanks to my teachers Tias Little and Jill Miller for their multidimensional and deep approach to exploring the pose when I studied with each of them many times.

Cautions (particularly for the classic pose)

–Wrist issues such as carpal tunnel will call for modifications.

-Should not perform with untreated high blood pressure.

-The head down posture of downward dog is proven to increase eye pressure. Those with glaucoma should use caution and avoid the full pose.

-NOTE: I typically do not teach the full pose in group prenatal classes, particularly for women in the final trimester of pregnancy. As is evident, many modifications are available during this beautiful and temporary stage of a woman’s life.

Ways to Practice

Here is a tour of the many breeds of downward facing dog (if the analogy fits…). Come to my classes, or practice with an experienced teacher to help you refine your dog.

Essential Dog/Basic Cues

Come to quadraped position (all fours or table pose)

Move your wrists slightly foreward of your shoulders, wrist creases parallel to the front of the mat. NOTE: There are hand alignment adjustments depending on your flexibility; adjustments vary by the individual

Press the floor away from you strongly while moving your hips up and back.

Breathe, be strong, be playful. Walk the dog (bend one knee and then the other).

Wrist Protecting Modification

Continue to press firmly into all ten fingers.

Fold the mat as indicated, and place the heel of your hand on the rolled up mat, allowing the wrist joint to experience less flexion.

Wall Dog AKA, Shouldn’t or Can’t practice with hands on the floor

The benefits of strengthening arms, extending the spine and stretching the backs of the legs can still be found in this variation. If the following apply to you: difficulty bearing weight on the wrists or arms, pregnancy (for some), challenged getting up and down off the floor, or if you are simply at work, escort your dog to the wall!

Cues for wall dog variation are the same. Legs are still hip distance apart. Press on all 10 fingers, bend knees a bit if hamstrings are tight.

Chair Dog/ Working-in-the-office dog

This is another great variation for those who have been sitting and working for hours, or students who have difficulty getting up and down off the floor. Another example of poses I teach in some chair yoga classes.

Notice that the chair is placed on the mat. Make sure your chair is on a stable surface. Also note that Norm’s wrists are supported and knees slightly bent. All previous cues apply.

Prenatal dog

My student is in her second trimester. Note: I have provided blocks for her hands, raising the floor. The blocks are also stabilized at the wall.

For prenatal yoga students in their first or second trimesters, who have had a regular practice of downdog before and throughout their pregnancy, I will sometimes offer this variation depending on how their particular pregnancy is progressing.

3 legged dog or Downdog at the fire hydrant

Once your arm strength has improved, this is a fun variation that engages your core muscles more.

Continue to push the ground away and keep shoulders relaxed away from your ears. Then be playful!

There are many other ways to vary downward facing dog so the pose works for you. Looking forward to seeing you in class and/or hearing from you!

Student Testimonials

Serenity, Knowledge, Desire to Help Others

What impresses me from Bonnie after the first yoga class I took with her is her serenity, deep knowledge of...

2016-04-07T19:12:09+00:00

What impresses me from Bonnie after the first yoga class I took with her is her serenity, deep knowledge of the human body, the desire to help others to improve their mobility, bone strength and balance. Every time I take her class, I feel rejuvenated. I followed Bonnie from another yoga studio and she is one of the greater yoga teachers I have ever met.

Knowledge and skill

The knowledge and skill of a facilitator like Bonnie are essential. Her initiative and dedication to the learner are unsurpassed

Director, Organizational Development Tucson

2014-12-26T21:11:30+00:00

Director, Organizational Development Tucson

The knowledge and skill of a facilitator like Bonnie are essential. Her initiative and dedication to the learner are unsurpassed

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/knowledge-and-skill/

Great Pace

I admire that you ease everyone into each posture, instead of speeding through the lesson.

KK, beginner student

2014-12-26T21:12:41+00:00

KK, beginner student

I admire that you ease everyone into each posture, instead of speeding through the lesson.

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/great-pace/

I love Bonnie’s classes

I love Bonnie’s classes! Anything you need help with or if something feels out of line, she will help you....

Beginning Yoga Student

2014-12-26T21:13:38+00:00

Beginning Yoga Student

I love Bonnie’s classes! Anything you need help with or if something feels out of line, she will help you. She teaches you to become aware of your body and mind so you yourself can take her teachings and help yourself in the real world.

http://www.yogawithbonnie.com/testimonials/i-love-bonnies-classes/

Can’t say enough

I cant say enough about Bonnie. She guided every move in a fluid manner and simply said the name of...

Beginning Yoga Student

2014-12-26T21:14:20+00:00

Beginning Yoga Student

I cant say enough about Bonnie. She guided every move in a fluid manner and simply said the name of the position while we completed the move. It was a very calming, motivating, and a wonderful experience. I cant wait until next week! Thank you Bonnie for introducing me to yoga.